Nora MacDonald

Nora (nee Coulas) MacDonald (birth name Theodosia Catherine)
Born February 23, 1921

Our beautiful 100year old matriarch left us for heaven with family at her side November 14, 2021. 
She was the loving mother to 3 sons, Gordon (Shirley), Bernie (late Pauline), and Gary (Liz). She was a special mom to her 4th son Bernie Charron (Bev).
She was Nana to Kevin MacDonald (Penny), Kim Watkins (Tim), Kathryn MacDonald Sigouin (Dan), Randy MacDonald (Chantal), Virginia Willms (Dave), Valerie MacDonald Barber, and Robynne Lavoie (Dan).
She was the loving great grandmother to James MacDonald (Stacey), Darren MacDonald (Marie), Kayla Jenkins (Andrew), Brittany Jenkins, Brett Hummel, Courtney Willms (Nolan), Blake Barber and Finley Lavoie.
She was the proud great great grandmother to Magnus and Judah.

Nana was born in a polish settlement in Wilno, ON. She is predeceased by her husband Boyd MacDonald, 8 siblings and her parents Anthony Coulas and Anastasia Shulist. She lost her mother when she was at the tender age of 9yrs old, and helped raise her 4 younger siblings. 

Nana will be remembered for her independent, strong will, kind heart and eagerness to help anyone in need. She was always there to provide advise and stern words when needed. She taught her family how to work hard. She was the victim of barn and house fires which led to her determination of helping others in similar situations. She was proud of the home she built for her boys on Foster Ave. She later moved to Astorville and built her second home and developed a passion for her large vegetable gardens/farm and selling produce, eggs, meat and maple syrup. Decades ago you would find her selling her baking and farm items at the Farmers Market. She thoroughly enjoyed baking at Myrt's Grill and was known for amazing high lemon meringue pies. She assisted so many people over the years and would not take credit for her help.  She would always say "Don't thank me, thank the Lord". Her strong faith played an important role in her life. She was the first president and longest living member of St Peters CWL.  One of her most memorable times was her trip to the holy land as well as annual visits to the Cormack Shrine.  She was a life member of the Elk's Club and past president of Nipissing Manor Auxiliary.  She enjoyed participating in church choirs at St Alphonsus and St Peters. She loved to knit and taught this talent at the Golden Age.  She was the most giving, loving woman that anyone had the pleasure of knowing. She would volunteer her time to be with others when they were ill or at the last stages of life. She worked at Fossmill as a cook and loved to prepare holiday meals for her entire family. She enjoyed time with family and watching the Battalions. It was the simple things in life that gave her the most joy.
She touched the lives of everyone that knew her. We know she is doing the polka and watching down on us.

Thank you to all the staff on the 3rd floor at Cassellholme for the love and compassion for our Nana. aka "the Boss”. Special thanks to Dr Prins and Father Francis.

A devout Catholic, Nora was a charter member of the C.W.L at St Peter the Apostle Church. 

Family receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd on Friday November 26th, 2021 from 2 until 4 pm and 6 until 8 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday November 27th, 2021 at St Peter the Apostle Church at 10:30am. As per current COVID-19 directives the total number of attendees is limited, social distancing requirements must be respected, and masks or face coverings are required inside the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St Peter’s Building Fund will be gratefully acknowledged by her family. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca